Originally posted by LabRat:
Short answer - no. Gender would make no difference - I wouldn't hug any stranger. Two reasons. One, I guard my personal space jealously. I'd have to know someone pretty well before engaging in any form of casual, physical contact. And, two, I'm highly suspicious of the motives of strangers by nature. I've watched The Real Hustle. 
I'd be wondering if it was a ruse to pick my pocket or pinch my iPod.....
LabRat 
Absolute agreement from me. I wouldn't even hug Dean Cain if he'd happen to carry one of those signs. Hugging people I know casually makes me uncomfortable - so why would I want to hug a total stranger? Plus, there's always the thought that the hugger might have an ulterior motive, like picking my purse or whatnot.
